Duties of the First Sergeant
from Kautz's Customs of Service
The duties of first sergeant are peculiar to his position, and require capacity and knowledge superior to those of other sergeants. Whilst he does not rank as high as some others, nor receive as much pay, his position is one of the most responsible and most honorable that non-commissioned officers can occupy.
He has the immediate supervision of the company. He gets his orders from the captain or officer commanding the company (1st Lt), and sees that they are performed in the company. He is, in fact, the foreman; the men are the artisans. He lays out and superintends the details of the work which the captain has directed to be executed, or has been assigned per Fatigue Duty Chart.
Orders received from the commanding officer or other officer by the first sergeant should be communicated to the company commander at once, before being obeyed, if there is time. Under any circumstances, they should be reported to him as soon as possible.
He keeps the rosters, and makes all the details; he superintends the company clerk (Unit Coordinator), and assists her in making out all the required papers..
He should memorize the roster of the company in alphabetical order, so that he can at all hours form the company and call the roll, day or night. Much natural shrewdness is required in this duty, to associate in the memory the name, the face, and voice of the soldier and his proper position in the ranks; for the men are frequently in the habit of answering absentees, and if they find that the sergeant can be deceived in this respect they are very likely to practice it on him.
There should be a uniform method of forming the company; and there is no reason why there should be a difference in the different corps or in different regiments. The company should be sized. In all the odd-numbered companies the tallest men are placed on the right, diminishing in size to the left, and in the even-numbered companies the tallest should be on the left, diminishing to the right, - the principal being that in each division the tallest men should be on the flanks, and the shortest in the center; the regimental front will thus present a level line, and there will be an apparent uniformity in size of the entire regiment.
. At roll calls the first sergeant takes his place six or eight paces, according as the company is small or large, in front of the opposite the center of his company, facing towards it. If the company is forming without arms, the men fall in and take the position of parade rest, and the first sergeant takes the same position. (Reg. 335.)
They should fall in in two ranks, whether with or without arms. With arms they fall in at the shoulder arms instead of parade rest. The company is formed in the interval between the musicians' call and the last note of the assembly, when every man should be in ranks; and those who fall in afterwards should be punished for being late.
. When the music has ceased, the first sergeant commands, "Attention!" whereupon the company, if at parade rest, take the position of the soldier, and if with arms, the sergeant adds, "Support arms." The roll is then called, commencing with sergeants, Adams, Smith, &c., in the order of rank, until all are called; Then "corporals," Brown, Jones, &c., to "farriers;" then "buglers or musicians;" and finally" privates," Ames, Brown, Cox, &c., in alphabetical order. As each name is called, they answer, "Here;" and if with arms at a support they come to a "shoulder" and finally to "order arms," immediately on answering to their names; if with sabers or pistols drawn, they return them to their scabbards.
After the roll has been called, the first sergeant turns to the officer superintending the roll call, and reports the absentees by name. If none are absent without authority, he reports, "All present or accounted for." If the officer should then take command of the company, the first sergeant takes his post on the right of the company, and acts as right guide.
The first sergeant makes out the morning report and signs it, and then submits it to the commanding officer (1st Lt) of the company for his signature, after which it is handed in to the regimental or post commander (Captain). To make it correctly, the sergeant should be constantly posted on the changes in the company, as the report is valuable only in proportion to its correctness. It should be a correct statement of the company, in order that the commanding officer may each day be able to know the condition of his command.
The sick report must always be made up in the morning before the morning report, in order that the report may be accurate as to the number of men for duty. For duty means all the men available for the legitimate duties of the soldier; and the column "for duty" should show the effective strength for actual service of the company for each day. Some understanding is necessary with regards to the men on extra and daily duty, as to whether they are included in the effective strength or not. An order from post or regimental head-quarters would regulate this point.
The first sergeant should be quartered with the men, when possible, has a separate room or tent. He has general supervision of all company property, - the quartermaster and commissary sergeants assisting him in the details. He keeps rosters of all property issued to the men and non-commissioned officers, and sees the surplus property is cared for and properly stored.
He must see that the quartermaster and commissary sergeants do their duty with regard to the property and that they hand in to him statements of all the property received and issued, lost or destroyed, in order that the records of the company may be correctly kept.
. He sees that all the other non-commissioned officers do their duty; he holds the chiefs of the squads (Corporals) responsible for the condition of their respective squads, and reports to the captain when any one neglects his duty in any respect.
He is usually empowered by the captain to confine soldiers and arrest non-commissioned officers for offenses. In these cases he always reports the confinement or arrest to be by order of the captain or company commander. He should, however, report the facts in the case to the captain or company commander at once, in order that he may be prepared to sustain him in the act, or correct it if he does not approve of his action.
He makes all the details from the company and sees that a record is kept on the roster. He parades the details, inspects them, and sees that they are properly equipped for the duty they are to perform, and then turns them over to a non-commissioned officer to be marched to their posts, or marches them there himself. He generally marches on the guard detail himself. ( Reg. 376. )
. After parading and inspecting it, and having ascertained that the guard are all in proper condition, he marches them to the usual place for mounting the guard, where the sergeant-major receives them. The detail is formed in two ranks, the supernumeraries being in the third rank. When he arrives on the ground, he forms his detail on the left of the other details that may have already arrived, faces it to the front, and brings it to "rear open order," and, after commanding "front," reports his detail, "all present," or "corporal or private so-and-so absent,” as the case may be, and then takes his post in rear of his supernumeraries, in rear of the guard, where he remains at parade rest until the guard marches off.
. The surplus arms not issued to the soldiers are kept in repair, and are boxed up and placed in store usually at the post to which the company belongs. The storing is done by the quartermaster sergeant (Unit Coordinator).
.The quartermaster is required to keep the clothing on hand, from whom it is drawn on requisitions signed by the company commander. The amount of clothing required for each issue is ascertained by actual inspection; and the actual wants of the soldier should determine his allowance.
. Frequent inspections should be had of the men's clothing, in order that the soldiers may be prevented from disposing of their clothing improperly; and as it is both contrary to law and regulations for soldiers to sell their clothing, such offences should be rigidly punished. ( Act MArch3, 1863, sec 23. and Art. 38 ).
. The foregoing will give some idea to what extent and perfection the administration of a company can be carried. The company is a small colony, which can live in peace, harmony, and comfort or be a disturbed by internal commotions and discomforts unendurable, depending, perhaps, more on the first sergeant than any other person in the company. Much depends upon the captain; but without a competent sergeant to execute his plans, any benevolent designs on his part for the improvement of the company would be difficult to carry into execution.
. There is no material difference in the duties of the first sergeant in the three arms of infantry, artillery, and cavalry, except some few modifications incident to the different kinds of arms used and the peculiar nature of the service.
. The first sergeant, although he should be familiar with the duties of the sergeants and corporals, is seldom called upon to perform any duty that would remove him from his duties of his own position. He is, therefore, not liable for guard duty, or fatigue or detached service, unless the entire company is on the same. He is, however, not absolutely excluded from any special service of short duration that may be desirable, under peculiar circumstances, to entrust him with.
. The most important task of the first sergeant relates to the government of the company. and the preservation of the good order and military discipline. This depending chiefly on innate qualifications, define rules, cannot easily be given. A complete control of temper, good judgment, and a strong sense of justice are essential; whilst a due application to duty and attention to the necessities of the men are also, of highest importance.
. Whilst he is not expected to preserve the same distance between himself and the men that exists between the and the officer, his position, indeed, not allowing of it, he should always endeavor to preserve a certain amount of restraint, and select his intimates from the first sergeants of other companies or non-commissioned officers of merit of other grades.
. A quite, imperturbable temper, combined with firmness and resolution will of itself enforce obedience and command respect. Excitability and passion cannot easily be divested of prejudice and injustice, and have a tendency to excite similar feelings in the men.
. Partiality and favor to individuals should be avoid above all things. The men should be treated with the greatest equality. Harsh and violent treatment, even towards the worst soldiers, are questionable, if not reprehensible means for governing them. Favoring soldiers will lose the sergeant the men's respect.
. Constantly present with the company, always on hand for every emergency, ever consulting the interest of the men and encouraging them in their duties, he cannot fail to attach them to the company, and make them cheerful and content, and faithful on duty.
First Sergeant Manual of Arms and Commands
17th South Carolina Infantry
Company C
Broad River Light Infantry
Duties:
The Sergeant
1)1)All of the duties of the corporal
2)2)Commands work, guard, police, and fatigue details.
3)3)Fair and impartial
4)4)Responsible for squad / detail equipment.
5)5)Preliminary instruction of the troops.
6)6)File closers – keeps men in ranks
7)7)Discourage straggling.
8)8)Discipline
9)9)Fill canteens / monitor ration consumption.
10)10)Knows the duties of the 1st Sergeant.
11)11)Commands a platoon if necessary.
The 1st Sergeant
“He is, in fact, the foreman; the men are the artisans.”
1)1)Keeps track of the clothing accounts.
2)2)Arranges all details.
3)3)Keeps a roster of details.
4)4)Leads large details.
5)5)Parades details to the Sergeant Major.
6)6)Morning, absentee, sick reports.
7)7)Supervises the company cooks.
8)8)Forms the company.
9)9)Keeps the roster.
10)10)Does roll call.
11)11)Responsible for all company equipment.
12)12)Supervises the company police.
13)13)Superintends the company clerk or acts as clerk in the absence of one.
14)14)Gets orders directly from the commanding officer and/or company commander.
15)15)Immediate supervision of the company.
16)16)Goes to orderly and NCO calls.
17)17)Discipline in the ranks and in camp.
18)18)Company safety officer.
19)19)Acts as Company Quartermaster, Armorer, and Commissary.
20)20)Has prominent role in Dress Parade.
21)21)Commands the company if necessary.
Manual of Arms
“Attention – Company!”
“Shoulder – Arms!”
“Right Shoulder Shift – Arms!”
“Shoulder – Arms!”
“Present – Arms!”
“Shoulder – Arms!”
“Trail – Arms!”
“Shoulder – Arms!”
“Support – Arms!”
“Shoulder – Arms!”
“Secure – Arms!”
“Shoulder – Arms!”
“Arms – Port!”
“Shoulder – Arms!”
“Charge – Bayonet!”
“Shoulder – Arms!”
“Order – Arms!”
“Rest on – Arms!”
“Order – Arms!”
“Parade – Rest!”
“Attention – Company!”
“In place - Rest!”
Commands are always given in two parts: the command of preparation and the command of execution. The command of preparation is the first part of the entire command. Its purpose is to prepare the soldiers in the ranks for the subsequent movement. The command of execution (in italics) is given to execute the movement. Emphasis when giving the command is on the command of execution and a short pause (approximately 1 second) should exist between the two parts.
Example:
“Shoulder – Arms!”
Forming the Company
in Two Ranks
Preparation – Falling in
Upon the sounding of Assembly or the
call to fall in, the company will fall in, in one rank tallest to shortest right to left.
1 Sgt
4 Paces
2CPPPPPPCPCPPPPPCP
Tallest
Forming two ranks
The 1st Sergeant will then give the commands, “Attention – Company! Shoulder – Arms! In two ranks form company! By the right, double files! Company, Right – Face! March!” At the command to right face,
the tallest private will face about and take one pace forward. At “March!”, the files will be fill sequentially and will achieve the formation shown here:
1
PPPCCPPC
2CPPPPPPPP
The 1st Sergeant will then command, “About - Face!” and place the corporals accordingly. Then he will command, “In each rank, count – Two!” Once counted in two ranks, the company will then be considered formed.
Morning Inspection of Troops
IPreparation
The ranks already having been opened, the 1st Sergeant shall post himself 4 paces in front of the center of the company. He will then give the commands, ”Attention – Company! Inspection – Arms!” The men in the ranks, except the inspecting NCOs, will fix bayonets and spring rammers and return to the order. The 1st Sergeant will then post the inspecting NCOs 2 paces in front of the center of the company, facing forward. He will then order, “Open – Boxes!” and direct the inspectors to conduct the inspection.
IIWeapons Inspection
The inspecting NCO of each rank will pass sequentially down the line, inspecting each man’s musket. He will follow this procedure:
A.Trigger / hammer
- 1.Bring the hammer to half-cock and squeeze the trigger. If the hammer falls, the weapon has failed.
- 2.Bring the hammer to full-cock and apply pressure to it using the thumb. If the hammer falls to half-cock, the weapon fails.
- 3.Check the tightness of the hammer screw and the cleanliness of the nipple.
B.Rammer
Lightly drop the rammer on the breech. If no metallic “ping” is heard, the weapon fails
IIIGear Inspection
Reaching the end of the line, the inspecting officer will return to the right of the company, passing behind the rank he is responsible for inspecting. At this time, he will inspect the rest of the men’s gear following this procedure:
- A.Canteens
All soldiers, whether members of our company or not, will have a full canteen or will be prevented from taking the field.
- B.Bayonet scabbards / knives
All knives must be tied in or removed prior to taking the field. The tips of the scabbards must be intact or the bayonet will not be allowed in the field.
- C.Cartridge boxes
Cartridge boxes must be full. Staples, paper clips, metal ofany kind, or live rounds will result in immediate banishment from the field.
IVReport
Upon completing the inspection, the inspecting NCOs will once again post themselves 2 paces in front of the center of the company, facing the 1st Sergeant. They will then report, “Front (or rear) rank inspected and all passed.” If there is a failure/discrepancy, the report must reflect it so that corrective action can occur. The 1st Sergeant shall then dismiss the inspectors back to their places in line. He will then order, “Close – Boxes! Unfix – Bayonets!” and will provide replacement equipment for those that need it.
VCapping off
The 1st Sergeant will command, “Shoulder – Arms! Prime!” and post the 2nd Sergeant 2 paces in front of the center of the company,facing forward. He will then instruct the 2nd Sergeant to inspect the rear rank. One cap will be fired by each soldier into the ground. If no movement is observed when the cap is fired, a second one will be fired. If the second discharge fails to produce movement, the weapon fails.
VIReport
Upon completion of capping off, the 2nd Sergeant will again post himself opposite the center of the company, facing the 1st Sergeant. He will report, “Rear rank inspected and all passed.” If there is a failure/discrepancy, the report must reflect it so that corrective action can occur. The 1st Sergeant will then order him back to his post
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